Raiders today

WHAT'S ON THE LINE

Now that everyone knows Tom Cable is calling the plays, it will be much easier to know who to blame or praise for how the offense does. There isn't another head coach/play caller/offensive line coach in this league. If Cable bit off more than he can chew, it will be very evident soon enough.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Receiving end: Javon Walker is done for the year, leaving the Raiders with four receivers who have eight or fewer catches in nine games. If rookie starter Chaz Schilens can't go, their depth chart is cooked. Maybe now benched starter Ronald Curry can become that dependable third-down receiver they so desperately need.

Miller time: Tight end Zach Miller is the team's most reliable pass-catcher, leading the team with 25 receptions and 363 yards. They need him to get open in the seams, at least when he's not trying to keep outside linebacker Joey Porter off the quarterback in pass protection.

Wildcat convention: The Dolphins love to run this exotic formation, with Ronnie Brown taking the direct snap in shotgun formation. The Raiders are dying to use it themselves, now that running back Darren McFadden is back. Good luck stopping either of them.

NOTE OF NOTE

Once upon a time, the Raiders scored a touchdown when fullback Justin Griffith caught a 2-yard pass from JaMarcus Russell - exactly 132 snaps ago, with none since. The drought has lasted 135 minutes, 36 seconds in a span of nine quarters of play. Long as that is, it ranks as just the second-longest stretch of end-zone avoidance - they went 145 plays between the 7th and 8th touchdowns of the season.

WHO'S HURTING

Russell (knee) is expected back after missing a game, as is McFadden (toe) after a three-game absence. Forget about Walker, who had season-ending ankle surgery Friday. Schilens (ankle) is questionable, which means Ashley Lelie and Curry could be back in the starting lineup. Center Jake Grove (calf) is out, so veteran John Wade will make his first start as a Raider. Outside linebacker Ricky Brown (groin) remains out. The Dolphins have no injuries to report. Must be nice.